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Macular Degeneration Terms

Amsler Grid-Graph paper-like grid used in detecting central visual field distortions or defects.

Angiogenesis (Choroidal)- The growth of abnormal blood vessels.

Atrophic- Derived from atrophy. Refers to cells, Structures or organs that have wasted away and have lost their normal function.

Atrophy- Refers to cells, structures or organs that have wasted away and have lost their normal function.

Brunch’s membrane- Innermost layer of the choroid, lying directly under retinal pigment epithelium. When damaged by disease or aging is responsible for many bleeding disorders in the macular area.

Carotenoid- Any member of a group of red, orange or yellow pigmented lipids found in carrots, sweet potatoes, green leaves and some animal tissues.

Choroid- The layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the sclera (white of the eye) and retina.

Drusen- Tiny, white, hyaline (clear, glassy like) deposits lying beneath the retinal pigment (RPE).

Endothelial- The lining of blood and lymph vessels.

Fibrovascular- Both fibrous and vascular.

Fluorescein Angiogram- Medical exam used for evaluating retinal, choroidal, and iris blood vessels; fluorescein dye is injected into an arm vein, then sequential photographs are taken of the eye as the dye circulates.

Indoyacine Green (ICG)- A newer dye, indocyanine green (ICG) used in an effective testing procedure for AMD called a fluorescein angiogram. ICG is a larger and more readily protein-bound molecule than fluorescein. Because of its light absorption properties, ICG dye permits better visualization.

Macula- Small, specialized central area of the retina, surrounding the fovea, which is responsible for acute central vision.

Metamorhopsia- Objects appear distorted in shape; usually caused by macular disturbances that disrupt the normal retinal position.

Neovascularization (Choroidal)- Abnormal formation of new blood vessels usually on or under the retina, usually seen in diabetic retinopathy, blockages of central retinal vision and macular degeneration.

Ophthalmoscopic Examination-Process of using a device for examination of the interior of the eye, especially the fundus.

Photocoagulation- Surgical procedure involving the application of intense light to burn or destroy selected intraocular structures such as abnormal blood vessels and tumors.

Photoreceptor- A nerve end- organ or receptor sensitive to light.

Retina- The innermost of the three tunics (coats) of the eyeball, surrounding the vitreous body and continuous posteriorly with the optic nerve.

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE)- Pigment cell layer just outside the retina that nourishes retinal visual cells; is firmly attached to underlying choroid and overlying retinal visual cells- composed of one layer of cells that are densely packed with pigment granules.

Retinotomy- Removal of portion of the retina.

Thrombus- A solid mass formed by the condtituents of blood: a clot

Vitrectromy- Surgical procedure involving the removal of vitreous, blood and/or membranes from the eye; usually accomplished by entering through the pars plana with a needle-like rotary cutter that has fluid injection and suction capabilities.